HEALTH SERVICES

WELCOME TO THE NCAHS NURSE'S OFFICE

School Nurse: Ms. Ann Gove
RN Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m.- 2:50 p.m.
Phone number: 508-668-0268 x 215
FAX number: 508-668-0612
e-mail: agove@norfolkaggie.org

Services provided:

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
a.) Daily medications with parental consent and physician order.
b.) Tylenol or ibuprofen with parental consent for pain related issues.

NURSING CARE
a.) First aid to those students who get injured on campus.
b.) Assessment of students who become ill during the school day.
c.) Communicable disease control.
d.) Health-care referrals.

Management for students with special health care needs.

MAINTENANCE OF CUMULATIVE HEALTH RECORDS
a.) Monitor compliance with state mandated immunizations and required physicals.
b.) Health screenings.

HEALTH COUNSELING & EDUCATION
The office is not a full health facility; therefore diagnosis of health conditions is not possible. Students may need to see their primary care physician for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, or for injuries that require X-ray analysis. In addition, the office does not have the capacity to monitor ill students for the school day, so dismissal from school is the only alternative. Parents should make sure their child's emergency contact sheets are updated whenever changes occur so that we may reach you in the event of an emergency or dismissal.

HEALTH INSURANCE
Massachusetts now offers free or low cost health insurance to children and teens. For more information call Children's Medical Security Plan at 1-800-841-2900.

MEDICATIONS
What do I need to do in order that my child may receive daily prescription medications? It is highly encouraged that students take their medications at home, but if this is not possible, then the school nurse will administer the medications once the following procedure is completed.

Procedure:
• Contact the nurse and let her know the student will be taking medications while at school.
• Review the NCAHS Medication Policy.
• Have your physician fill out the Medication Order Form.
• Parent needs to complete the Parental Consent Form for Medication Administration.
• Medication must be brought to the nurse in its original prescription bottle with the name of the student on the container. The student will not be allowed to carry prescription medications while at school with the exception of inhalers. Physician orders and parental consent need to be on file in the nurse's office for inhalers to be used at school.
• What do I do if my child needs to take a short-term prescription medication such as an antibiotic?
• Complete the Parental Consent Form for Medication Administration.
• Medication must be brought to the nurse in its original prescription bottle. The bottle will be used in lieu of the physician order sheet. Only send in enough medication to be administered during the school day.
•What happens when my child develops pain while at school such as a headache or cramps?
•The nurse's office is supplied with Tylenol and ibuprofen. The nurse assesses the student for the need for pain medication.
• Parents must complete a Medication Agreement and Release of Liability for Students form. These forms are kept on file in the nurse's office and need to be updated annually.

IMMUNIZATIONS
The Department of Public Health mandates the following immunizations:
• Td booster every ten years
• Hepatitis B vaccine (3 doses)
• MMR vaccine (2 doses)
• Varicella vaccine or physician documented case of chicken pox. You must provide the nurse with documentation of the above immunizations. Lack of a current immunization record on file with the school nurse constitutes grounds for student exclusion until this regulation is deemed in compliance.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS/HEALTH ISSUES:
Every student is required to have an updated physical exam on file in the nurse's office. New Admissions are required to have completed:
• Documentation of a physical exam done by the student's primary care physician. The exam should be within 1year prior to entrance into school. The documentation can either be done on the physician or school's health form.
• Documentation of all required immunizations.
• Completion of the Report of Health History.
• Verify that your child's School Health Record has been forwarded from the sending school.

•How often does my child need a physical exam to play sports?
• Sports physicals are required every 13 months. In order to participate in sports the student must have on file in the nurse's office a copy of an updated physical exam performed within 13 months of the sport's season. If you know your child is going to participate in sports while at NCAHS please plan in advance, and make an early appointment with your physician's office. Remember your child's health is important to us.

Please notify the nurse of any significant health issues your child may have or medications they take on a daily basis at home. This information is kept confidential, unless there is a need for teachers to know. Such information that would be shared with the staff may include such things as restricted activity due to a medical condition so other arrangements can be made.

What if my child is unable to participate in gym?
Gym excuses must be obtained from the student's physician. The note should include a diagnosis (reason for the excuse), and length of time the student will be out of gym. If the student had a significant injury and has been incapacitated for a lengthy period of time, then they will need clearance by their doctor for return to gym or sports.

What if my child has restricted activity?
Accommodations will be made for student's activities on campus based on physician guidelines. This is extremely important for their vocational classes. Once again physician documentation must be obtained with reasons and dates of restrictions.

Health Websites

Department of Public Health- Health topics including adoleescents,communicable disease,preganancy, tobacco use,etc. http://mass.gov/dph

Centers for Disease Control-Health topics including adolescents adn teens,communicable disease, tobacco use, etc. http://www.cdc.gov